Yeah, that scene reminded me a lot of how the strings were pulled on the characters in Cabin in the Woods without them realizing it...you didn't mention how Tony kind of rubs his face right afterwards and acts like he's he's either getting a headache, feels hot or unwell.

I noticed Tony's reaction too. He shook his head to sort of clear the cobwebs. It was pretty obvious at that point, plus the weird camera angles, that something is influencing their emotions.